Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

979. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if motor tax will be temporarily suspended or reduced for persons aged 70 years of age and over (details supplied). [5779/20]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There are no plans currently to suspend or reduce motor tax. The Government has urged those over the age of 70 (and also those who have underlying medical conditions) to cocoon and to continue to follow public health advice. While everyone should stay at home as much as possible, older people may leave their home for exercise and to drive for up to 5 kilometres. 

I wish to advise that there is a facility in place to declare a vehicle off the road if a vehicle is not in use. The Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act 2013, as amended, provides for a system of declaring vehicles off the road in advance for motor tax purposes.  The declaration must be made in the last month of an existing motor tax disc or renewed in the last month of a previously made declaration of non-use.  The declaration can be made online or in a motor tax office.

The declaration can be made for any number of calendar months between 3 and 12 months i.e. it cannot be made for a period of 1 or 2 months.  If a vehicle is subsequently required to be put back on the road, the declaration can be broken at any time simply by taxing the vehicle.